According to common practice - especially with high consideration for the Lisbon Treaty’s key areas - the old and large member states were given strong portfolios in the new Commission. However, some of the new member states’ positions are more surprising.

• Romania, one of the European Union’s newest member states would be responsible for such an important portfolio like Agriculture and Rural Development. Dacian Ciolos – the Romanian Commissioner - seems to be definitely a good choice with regard to his relevant and strong educational, professional and political background with 25-year experiences in agricultural issues.
• The other newest EU member, Bulgaria received the International cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis response portfolio in spite of the fact that this country has never had any colonies and Rumiana Jeleva – the new Commissioner – has gained only 2 years of direct knowledge in the area of Foreign Affairs.
• The role of Slovakia will strengthen as Maros Sefcovic became the Vice President responsible for the Inter-institutional portfolio, which is essential under the Lisbon Treaty. Breaking the tradition, Barroso has thus chosen an Eastern European support for the next period.

If the new Commission will be approved by the European Parliament in the beginning of 2010, the new Commissioners will face the challenge of proving their suitability and hopefully change the question mark to exclamation mark after their names.

European Commission